Monument to Khan Kenesary
The impressive sculpture located on the Esil River embankment depicts Khan Kenesary, the last Kazakh ruler and a fierce fighter for independence from the Russian Empire. In 1838, Kenesary led an assault on the Akmola fortress from somewhere near the site of the modern monument. The uprising that he led in response to Emperor Alexander I's decree, which dissolved the khan's power and introduced a new duty system, resulted in the largest rebellion in Kazakh history. As a result of this rebellion, Kenesary was proclaimed the ruler of the Kazakh Khanate in 1841.
Kenesary died in 1847 in Kyrgyzstan, betrayed by his close associates. However, his legacy lives on, as his rebellion was the main impetus for the construction and development of fortresses such as Akmola, which later became a city and the capital of modern-day Kazakhstan. As such, Kenesary is considered one of the co-founders of the capital city.
The monument itself was erected on May 10, 2001, and stands 7 meters (23 ft) tall, with an additional 6 meters (20 ft) added by the pedestal. The sculpture is made of bronze and depicts the khan seated on a horse. The monument serves as a reminder of the rich history of the Kazakh people, helping people remember the great ancestors who had a significant impact on the fate of modern Kazakhstan.
How to get there?
Located on the right bank of the Esil River, near the intersection of Azerbaijan Mambetov and Gumar Karash streets, the monument to Khan Kenesary is easily accessible. Visitors can reach the monument by taking any of the following bus numbers: 1, 2, 3, 10, 20, 23, 25, 31, 32, 37, 45 and 52. The nearest bus stop, «Samal», is situated on Respublika Avenue, within walking distance of the monument.
Other tourist attractions near the monument:
- Palace of Schoolchildren named after M. Utemisov
- E. Rakhmadiyev Philharmonic Hall
- Atyrau Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge
- Amphitheater on the Esil River Embankment
- Respublika Avenue
- Cathedral of Constantine and Helena
- Central Park
- Arbat Street
- Manor of Vasily Kubrin
- Trading House of Merchant Matvey Kubrin
- Manor of Merchant P. Moiseyev
- Military History Museum
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